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Lission Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

taxicab

Hi everybody

Why is taxicab also a taxi? Taxi is a cab. Cab is a taxi.

Can somebody tell me why the two words have been joined when they mean the same thing? I would like to know its origin.

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

Sorry, I don't have your answer, but the sources I've checked seem to imply that the opposite occurred: The word "taxicab" was shortened in two optional ways. I haven't yet discovered the etymology of the "original" word.

— Avangi

  • Sorry, I don't have your answer, but the sources I've checked seem to imply that the opposite occurred: The word "taxicab" was shortened in two optional ways.
  • I haven't yet discovered the etymology of the "original" word.
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2 Answers
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Sorry, I don't have your answer, but the sources I've checked seem to imply that the opposite occurred: The word "taxicab" was shortened in two optional ways. I haven't yet discovered the etymology of the "original" word.
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A hansom cab was a horse drawn vehicle used for this purpose. So I suppose taxi cab is just the modern version.

I don't think it's so much that the two words mean the same - it's more that we shorten the name to either word.
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